News

Following our recent article calling for Music Therapy to be included in the Government’s planned expansion of community mental health services across England, we are pleased to confirm that our official petition is now live, and we have created some digital assets to help you spread the word on your social media.

The Government’s recent announcement of a major expansion of community mental health support across England represents an important opportunity to rethink how and where people access and receive mental health care. BAMT welcomes this commitment. But if these new services are to genuinely offer accessible and preventative mental healthcare, Music Therapy must be included and integral in all new developments from the outset.

Legacy reports

We are pleased to share the findings from the Membership Survey, carried out in Autumn 2025.

In February 2026, the Department for Education published the Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, alongside the formal open consultation, SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First. Together, these documents set out the government’s proposed direction for schools and SEND reform in England. The SEND consultation is open for responses until 18 May 2026. BAMT is preparing its own response, but we also want to ensure that our members and the wider Music Therapy community are aware of this significant opportunity to contribute. It is vital that Music Therapists’ expertise, experience and professional insight are reflected in the consultation process.

A nationally agreed definition and job title format for AHP advanced practice roles in Scotland have been established to support consistency and workforce planning. These can be seen in the 'Transforming Roles Paper 09: Allied Health Professions Advance Practice' document. They set a clear national direction for AHP advanced practice in Scotland with expectations for governance, education, supervision and evidencing impact across the four pillars of practice outlined. It can be accessed through TURAS and this information is open to non NHS Music Therapists.

BAMT has joined over 70 organisations and policymakers calling on NICE to undertake the urgent review of their anxiety guidelines.

It is with sadness and deep respect that we honour the life and legacy of Dr. Barbara L. Wheeler, a leader, scholar, teacher, and advocate whose work has shaped the music therapy profession. Dr. Wheeler’s influence spanned clinical practice, education, research, and professional leadership.

BAMT is delighted to confirm the introduction of the newly developed Clinical Supervision Competency Framework. Following the initial announcement in October 2025, the implementation of this framework will officially commence on 1st February 2026.

The arts therapies community in Wales is mourning the loss of Music Therapist Melissa Elliott who passed away on 9th October aged 47. Melissa had worked as a Music Therapist in Aneurin Bevan UHB in Older Adult Services since 2017.